Ruth C. Slaughter, 78, of Tuscola, IL, went to be with her Lord in heaven at 8:45 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Tuscola United Methodist Church, Tuscola, IL. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at the church. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL. Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Ruth was born on October 4, 1934 in Topeka, Kansas, she was the adopted daughter of Peter F. and Annie C. Rahn Schroeder. She married Joe B. Slaughter on August 1, 1953 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, having just celebrated their 60th anniversary together. He survives.

Other survivors include her daughter: Kathy Slaughter of Gibson City, IL, sons: Jim (Lori) Slaughter, Dave (Marta) Slaughter, Steve (Patty) Slaughter and Bob (Julie) Slaughter all of Tuscola, IL, grandchildren: Eric (Sara) Slaughter, Amber (Shane) Ring, Andrea (Justin) Willmore, Colin Slaughter, Adam Slaughter, Kaley Slaughter, Jenna Slaughter and Kelsey Slaughter, 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother: Walter "Red" Schroeder

Ruth has lived in Tuscola most of her life, she has resided in the same house since she was 5 years old. She was a 1952 graduate of the Tuscola Community High School.

Ruth was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola, where she has played the organ since she was 12 years old. Ruth also played the organ and was part of the church family at the Tuscola United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She was the former director of the sanctuary choir, accompanied the children's choirs, was a member of the hand bell choir and taught many Bible studies over the years. Ruth accompanied the choirs for the Tuscola Community School District for over 40 years. She was one of the charter members of the Tuscola MOPS group. She has played music for countless weddings and funerals throughout the years. Ruth and her husband recently received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Tuscola Chamber of Commerce.

Ruth was very proud of her family and was a very devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She enjoyed working with and mentoring the many young lives she touched throughout the years. Ruth was a well respected part of the Tuscola community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her

Memorials are suggested to a church of the donor's choice, Tuscola Community Schools Music Boosters Club or Tuscola MOPS.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com